Warning: Secret Sister Gift Exchange is Illegal in New Jersey
This holiday season, be on the lookout for schemes that sound too good to be true. Case in point: "Secret Sister Holiday Gift Exchange". it is a bit too good to be true... and illegal in the Garden State too! You see, it's considered a chain letter and they are illegal in New Jersey. The premise is simple: it's a basic pyramid scheme. So officials are warning Facebook users to avoid getting the possible "Grinch" treatment this Christmas!
[Chain letters are] illegal if they request money or other items of value and promise a substantial return to the participants. Chain letters are a form of gambling, and sending them through the mail ... violates Title 18, United States Code, Section 1302, the Postal Lottery Statute.
Here is a look at what the scheme kinda looks Iike. From a recent CBS post:
“Anyone want to join in on this fun? You have to buy one gift valued of at least $10 and send it to your secret sis. You will then receive 6-36 gifts in return.”
Officials also warn what seems like a fun way to gift-give during the holidays may leave participants out at least $10 — and provide scammers with your home address, leading to more trouble down the road.
So have YOU seen this scheme floating around in cyberspace? Share your experience and maybe help others avoid this trouble.
Maybe just trying to exchange gifts with people you actually know this holiday season and avoid getting hurt this Christmas 🎄
More From 92.7 WOBM
More From 92.7 WOBM
